Matthew O'Brien, Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,

Love is In the Air 

Congratulations to Amy Wormald and Tim Rhook who announced their engagement over the holidays.  

Staffing Update

After 39 years in Catholic education and careful consideration I have decided that it is time for me to “hang up the boots” and move gracefully into the next phase of my life.  At the end of last term I wrote to Tom Sexton (Director, DOBCEL) to resign my position as Principal of St Joseph’s as at the end of the 2025 school year. I have had a wonderful and varied career across a range of settings and roles which has culminated in the privilege of being the principal of St Joseph’s.  

I will have much more to say and many people to thank and acknowledge later in the year. In the meantime, I am looking forward to embracing the terms ahead and supporting a smooth transition for the next lucky Principal. 

You will receive more information via an email from Megan Ioannou (Deputy Director, DOBCEL) this afternoon. 

Free Time Friday

We had a wonderful afternoon on the last day of school last term. As a payback for the magnificent effort with the Caritas Big Walk for Water all of the children had free play between recess and lunch. Activities were organised by our school leaders, extra sport equipment was provided and the children were able to free range all over the school yard.  It was great to see siblings playing together and the older and younger children engaging in shared activities.  

NAPLAN

NAPLAN results have arrived at school and will be posted to families this week. 

Congratulations to all of the Year 3 and Year 5 students who participated in these assessments. Our students have performed very well again, significantly scoring higher in all aspects when compared to all Australian students.  

I take this information very seriously as it provides our staff with an objective measure of the success of our programs and pedagogies.  This information informs our school improvement plan and annual action plans. 

Matthew O'Brien, Principal

Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday over the school holidays and this week.

Poppy Main, Claudia O'Donnell, Finn Collins, Margot Murphy, Grace Saker, Declan McMurray, Joseph Allen, Jasper Cox, Lola Katrianto, Arlie Harman, Jobe Moloney, Tully Moloney, Poppy Kelson, Luca Wrightson, Adelin Dance, Louie Goodall, Abbie Wrightson, Ollie Milroy, Will Rogers, Stella Goodall, Alfie Hoy, Archer McPherson, Stella Bell, Fraser Coughlan, James McKimmie, Annie Murrell, Rhyda Tucker, Lily Blackmore, Evie Coates, Ava Dance and Milla Jones.

Daily school attendance is important for young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally. Young people who regularly attend school have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives.  

Please see below our levels of response to attendance:

If you are having any difficulty getting your child to school or would like support in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Gabrielle Ewing - Wellbeing Leader
Marlie Boyd - Assistant Principal

Welcome back to Term 3. Some families may be navigating back-to-school anxiety. Here is some helpful information from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne on how to help your child/ren.

Back-to-school anxiety

Going to school is a fantastic way for your child to learn and develop life skills. However, it can also be a stressful place for some kids.

Starting, changing, and returning to school are major events for children. It is normal for your child to be nervous about these transition periods – even if they do not usually feel anxious. Planning can help manage any worried feelings they may have.

Helping your child start or return to school

Before school starts:

• Talk with your child about school in a positive and encouraging way.
• Ask your child how they feel about starting or returning to school. Be curious and empathetic, and avoid dismissing their concerns.
• Try to problem-solve any worries your child shares about school.
• Practice new tasks and routines before school starts, such as waking up at a set time, using a lunch box or catching public transport.
• Make sure your child knows who to ask for help at school and reassure them that their school is on their team.

Once school starts:

• Check in with your child regularly about their feelings and experiences at school.
• Discuss any strong emotions your child shares about school and work through challenges together.
• Address any concerns that arise throughout the year, such as health or learning support needs, bullying, boredom in the classroom, challenges with friendships, and feelings of not belonging.
• If required, speak to their teachers about how your child feels and ways to support them.

Some children have intense anxiety about school, which leads them to avoid going. School avoidance is a complex issue that often requires professional help to manage. It is not always caused by an anxiety disorder. If you think your child may have a problem avoiding school, speak to their teacher. Schools have support and trained staff members to help children who feel anxious or do not want to attend school. In many cases, schools can connect children to psychologists or counsellors.

You may also want to speak to a doctor or psychologist for advice.

Above information taken from:

Topic: Anxiety
In this edition of SchoolTV - Anxiety

Most young people today experience anxiety at some point in their life. Sometimes that slight rush of anxiety that occurs prior to an exam or sporting event, can enhance their performance. However, experiencing too much anxiety, over long periods of time, can be extremely damaging to their health and wellbeing. There is a difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ anxiety.

Statistics show, that the psychological health of young people today is far worse than it was a generation ago. This is having an adverse affect on children in both primary and secondary levels. Some of their issues of concern include stress, school, study, body image and friendship.

Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of ‘bad’ anxiety. There are preventative measures parents can implement as well as teaching kids the skills to cope more efficiently with their anxiety.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Welcome back to term three! We have another big term coming up for Sporting Opportunities. See below for a few upcoming dates.

We have an exciting few weeks ahead in PE with trials coming up for our Term 3 sports teams!

Upcoming Sports

Lawn Bowls - Year 6

Lawn Bowls trials for Year 6 students are occuring on Friday 25th July from approx 9:15AM till 1:00PM.  

Weather permitting, we will walk up and back to Warrnambool City Bowls club.

We look forward to seeing lots of enthusiasm and great sportsmanship. Let’s get ready for a fantastic term of sport!

Once the trial is completed approximately 12 students will be selected to represent the school at Divisional level on Friday 8th August at Warrnambool City Bowls Club.

Closing date for submitting this form is strictly 3pm, Wednesday 23rd July, 2025. 

Basketball - Years 3/4

The 3/4 District Basketball competition will be held on Wednesday 19th August.

Trials will take place during recess/lunch.

• Year 3/4 Trials: Monday 28th July
  
  

Basketball - Years 5/6

Our 5/6 Basketball Competition will be on Friday 22nd August.

Trials will take place at during recess/lunch

• Year 5/6 Trials: Thursday 31st July
  

Matt McMillan
PE Teacher & Sports Coordinator

Disco Poster Competition

Volunteers

We require volunteers for both Junior and Middle/Senior Discos. 

Please complete the linked form if you are able to assist.

Volunteer numbers are capped, please consider volunteering for the Middle/Senior Disco if you have children attending both discos.

'Illuminate your creative heart and mind’

1-5 September 2025

Our Theme this year is, 'Illuminate your creative heart and mind’. It will incorporate Art, Music and Dance to celebrate the Arts in a fun and engaging way.

Our program works with classes from Foundation to Year 6. Our activities run from 10:45am - 1:00pm each day finishing with a final assembly on Friday. We will be having: a music incursion with workshops for all year levels, a night walk, arts rotations and many arts activities, displays and competitions throughout the week.

Community and Parent Volunteers

In the past many community and parent volunteers participated in our program. These activities ranged from painting, tap dancing, wood work, felt making, Martial Arts and crafting, just to name just a few. If you have a skill, talent or passion for the arts and would be willing to share an appropriate activity to primary age students, we would love to hear from you. The more volunteers we have the smaller the groups can be. If you are interested and would like more information please contact me by email. A current Working with Children Check would be required to work with students.

Kath McMeel ( Arts co-ordinator)
kmcmeel@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

Pizza Day: Tuesday 29th July, 2025

Orders Close: 3pm Friday 25th July, 2025

Once per term the PSA run a Pizza Day as a "special occasion" lunch option and to raise money for the PSA.

Children can choose from either Garlic or Hawaiian pizza (Gluten Free options available) which are provided by Pepper's Pizza (formerly Pinkies Pizza) who are one of our school sponsors.

Orders are now open via CDFPay (Canteen ordering system)

There are no canteen orders on Pizza Days and children not wanting to order pizza should bring their lunch from home.

Sorry, no late orders can be accepted.

First Eucharist is a Sacramental Program for Year 4 students who have been both Baptised and Confirmed.

This year we will be continuing the new format of a combined Parish Parent Information session and a combined Parish schools Eucharist Formation Day.

To register your child:

1. Complete the linked form
2. Make payment through CDFpay.

A kit containing the materials and information to prepare your child for the Celebration of First Eucharist will be provided to your child. Parents work through this booklet at home with their child (rather that the previous Family Groups after school).

Key Dates

A letter from the Australian Smile Group has been sent home with all children  ontaining information regarding onsite dental services being provided at our school by their qualified Dental Health Team.

The dental van will be onsite at the school starting on Tuesday 19th August. 

If you wish your child to participate in this program please complete and return the form to the school office by Friday 25th July. Spare copies available at the office.

Note: This is a service provided by the Australian Smile Group and is NOT compulsory.